A woman whose pit bulls attacked two neighbors may not be going to trial. Attorneys in the case have come to an agreement. Jesse Vonstaden waived her preliminary hearing, because attorneys have been negotiating a plea deal.
Vonstaden is charged with her pit bulls' extreme behavior that ended with two neighbors severely injured. It happened last month in a neighborhood near Bonanza and Sloan. Vonstaden's dogs broke loose from a gate, and charged a woman gardening.
Attorney Todd Leventhal says Vonstaden is quite aware of the sensitive nature of the case. "The medical issues with the two victims was very serious, you know taking a risk at trial. I think this puts her in a good position not to see prison but yet stay away from dogs, and move on with her life," Leventhal said.
One of her four dogs was shot to death by police because it was aggressively charging. But the others were caught by animal control and are being held at the Lied Animal Shelter. Their fate is undetermined because the case is still open.
The victims were Celia Aguilar, who was gardening when the dogs went on the rampage, and Robert Sisterman, whose arm was badly hurt while trying to rescue Aguilar.
Leventhal explains part of Vonstaden's plea deal: "She's going have to pay restitution at some point; she's no longer allowed to have dog. There are conditions to this. This isn't just walk out and we're done with you. She'll be watched," Leventhal said.
Vonstaden is expected back in court on March 24 when she's expected to enter her plea. She could get some prison time or probation.
(KSNV - March 12, 2015)
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